Raipur to host two home matches of Delhi Daredevils

A newly constructed stadium in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, will host two home matches of Delhi Daredevils in the sixth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). A decision in this regard was taken in the league’s governing council meeting held at the Cricket Centre on Wednesday.

“The Delhi franchise had requested for Raipur as a venue, so we have given two matches to Raipur,” said IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla.

The governing council has shortlisted Rajkot and Ahmedabad as alternative venues for Jaipur to host home games of Rajasthan Royals keeping in view the ongoing dispute between the state association and state sports council.

Shukla, however, insisted that the issue related to payment of annual franchise fee by Pune Warriors to the BCCI would be resolved soon. “That is being sorted out. That is not a problem,” he said.

He also clarified that they didn’t discuss the matter pertaining to existing differences between Sahara Group and Maharashtra Cricket Association over dues to be paid to the state body. On Pakistan players’ participation in the next IPL edition, Shukla said, “We haven’t discussed this with the franchisees yet.”

Railways ground at Cuttack may host women’s WC ties

The Railways-owned ground in Cuttack has emerged as a likely venue to host some games in the ICC Women’s World Cup, commencing on January 31.

“We have found out an alternative venue. And we are thinking of hosting the matches at the Railways ground (in Cuttack). The Orissa Cricket Association and the State government are both ready for that,” said BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla. Cuttack was selected to host Pakistan’s matches after the Shiv Sena threatened that it would oppose ties involving the neighbouring country in Mumbai.